Savannah’s Westside is entering a new era with the redevelopment of Sustainable Fellwood, set to break ground Sept. 16. The mixed-use, mixed-income redevelopment will offer “green” affordable housing. Residents as well as the environment will benefit from the energy efficient heating and air conditioning units and water heaters.
The new development at the 27-acre site serves as a principal component of the City of Savannah’s Westside Development Revitalization Plan. Sustainable Fellwood replaces Fellwood Homes, the first public housing project in Savannah.
Sustainable Fellwood is designed to be a walkable, enjoyable community that preserves as many of the mature trees as possible, with new trees planted as well. The redevelopment is widely considered a national showcase for environmentally-responsible community planning.
Savannah area high school and college students have a chance to put their stamp on this new community by entering the Sustainable Fellwood logo contest. For more information, visit www.SustainableFellwood.com.
The groundbreaking for Sustainable Fellwood will take place Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. The outdoor event will be held at the south end of the construction site on Richards Street (across the parking lot from the Lady Bamford Center). A reception will follow in the Moses Jackson Center, 1410 Richards Street, at the corner of Richard s and West Street.
Sustainable Fellwood will be built with sustainable materials with high standards for energy and water efficiency and is registered in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Neighborhood Development pilot program and will be guided by the Smart Growth Network’s principles for diverse, walk-able, distinctive, attractive communities. Sustainable Fellwood is also registered in the EarthCraft Coastal Communities through Southface Energy Institute.
Phase I will include 110 affordable housing units and approximately five single family homes. The project’s first phase is expected to be completed in April 2009, with the community’s first residents moving in the summer of 2009.
Future phases will include 110 affordable housing units, a senior housing apartment building, and single family homes, followed by potential retail, medical and technical space. Amenities will include a clubhouse, an organic community garden, and significant common green space.
About Sustainable Fellwood:
Sustainable Fellwood is a mixed use, mixed income Housing Authority of Savannah redevelopment. Master Developer: Melaver, Inc., in partnership with Parallel Housing, Progressive Redevelopment, and Vanguard Developers. In collaboration with: Lott Barber, Architecture and Planning, Catamount Constructors, Inc., City of Savannah, and CHSA Development of Savannah. www.SustainableFellwood.com